Best Dairy free (Non-dairy) Probiotics for Adults, Babies & Toddlers + Sources
What are dairy free or non-dairy probiotics and why are they important? What are the best nod-dairy probiotics for adults, babies and toddlers? What are the best sources of dairy free probiotics. Read on find out
What are Non-Dairy Probiotics & Why?
Non-dairy probiotics are probiotics that do not have milk or milk-based products.
However, it is important to note that dairy products have various benefits to the human body. Firstly, when a human being is born, the first type of food that they ingest are milk based. However, this is in the form of breast milk. Considered to be very nutritious and beneficial to the body. Dairy products are also rich in probiotics. Specifically, the most common sources of probiotics are fermented dairy products that have active bacteria cultures.
In addition to that, the probiotic milk products are also credited to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal challenges. These include irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori as well as antibiotic based diarrhea. Following this, it is expected that everyone would benefit by use of dairy products in the introduction of probiotics to their body. However, this is not the case. There are situations that the dairy products are deemed unwelcome to the body or by the body.
Why dairy free?
Despite the benefits alluded to the dairy based probiotics, some situations demand for the non-diary based probiotics. This is due to the various issues and or problems that are associated with dairy products. For instance, milk is considered rich in lactose. Also termed as milk sugar. There are individuals who are not tolerant to milk lactose. Commonly referred to as lactose intolerance, this condition can cause a lot of discomfort to the affected party.
With lactose intolerance, the body is not able to digest the natural sugar that is found in milk and other dairy products. The lactose in the body, in order for it to yield benefits requires being broken down to lactase, otherwise it does not serve its intended role. If not well digested, the lactose in the body can become a source of discomfort and leads to symptoms such as pain in the belly, rumbling sounds in the belly, loose stool and bloating.
According to Dr. Mark Hyman, milk products are not beneficial to individuals who have challenges with some allergic reactions. For instance, those who suffer from sinuses despite taking milk products are advised to stop the milk products intake and observe a change. The products, which also serve as sources of probiotics when prepared in accordance with the probiotics foods preparations procedures include yoghurt, cheese, ice cream, and raw milk.
Other concerns raised by the use of milk as a source of probiotics relate to the hygiene in the preparation process that leads to the final product. This may include pasteurization and homogenization of milk and milk products. Key concern here is the presence of milk fat in the milk products. Some individuals have a negative opinion towards the milk fat especially so, if they are in the process of losing weight or dieting thereby reducing the intake of all forms of fat.
Best Dairy Free Probiotics for Adults
With the need to get an alternative source of probiotics for those who are unable to consume those availed by the dairy products, it is vital to have a look at what options are available. These options may be consumable based on the age and digestive capacity of the individual, as such, adults may be able to consume some while infants may not.
According to Science direct, in a research on food microbiology, a study was done into nondairy probiotic products. In this study it was noted that there are traditional foods that are not dairy based which avail probiotic potential. For instance, Ginger beer is considered a source of probiotics that is non-dairy. Considered a traditional drink, ginger beer is cultured in a symbiotic culture that includes bacteria and yeast. This is one form of preparing it.
Another form is by powdering the ginger and then mixing it with sugar. This encourages the building of wild bacteria and yeast. They lead to brewing a drink that is rich in probiotics that is also wholesome and a good alternative to dairy probiotics.
Dairy Free Infant Probiotic
Children’s digestive tract is delicate until it is fully developed. As such any child who suffers from lactose intolerance or milk allergies would have a big challenge in keeping the dairy products in their diet. Infants have a weak and sensitive digestive system. For them, anything that goes down their gut needs to be well evaluated for possible effects which could be considered as not very desirable. For instance, infants who have low levels of tolerance for milk sugar could potentially be harmed by any probiotic products that contain milk sugar.
As such, when seeking for a probiotic product to be consumed by an infant, the first step is to identify what the infant reacts to, if any. If there exists some chance they could react, it is best to seek a medical expert’s advice before administering such a product. On the same breath, when an infant happens to be under medication, there is the chance that their body’s micro flora balance can be upset.
However, it is not recommended to administer probiotics when the infant is still under medication. More so any antibacterial medication that they could be taking would have a counterproductive effect since the antibacterial medicines would lead to the death of healthy bacteria that could be thriving in their system.
Dairy Free Probiotics for Babies & Toddlers
There are solutions towards the availing of a source of probiotics for children who need it and are in the condition mentioned. For instance, commercially available raw probiotics for kids. Before adopting the supplement, it is important to check that they are not dairy based. For instance, verify that they are whole food probiotic formulas. Mostly they are based from fruits and vegetables.
Babies who are able to ingest other foods apart from milk based products may also enjoy other foods that are sources of probiotics such as sauerkraut, as they take other foods. Served as fermented cabbage, it can be taken together with other foods therefore, children who are able to take it alongside could benefit.
Best Dairy Free Probiotics Food Sources
From what best food sources can non-dairy probiotics obtained? Some sources have already been mentioned above. Here is a video recap of the best five.
Sources
Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization Expert Consultation. Evaluation of health and nutritional properties of powder milk and live lactic acid bacteria. Córdoba, Argentina: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization; 2001.